Unveiling Hong Kong's Cinematic Secrets: A List of Off-the-beaten-path Filming Locations
In the world of film and television, location plays a pivotal role, in shaping the narrative and influencing audience perception. Often the location itself IS the character. For example, many feel New York is a familiar place even though they have never set foot on its streets.
Hong Kong is renowned for its cinematic allure and offers a plethora of familiar landmarks often seen on screen. However, hidden among these well-known sites are lesser-explored places, providing filmmakers with untapped potential. Here, we present a curated list of off-the-beaten-path filming locations, each offering a unique backdrop that reflects the city's diverse cultural landscape.
1. Ho Lee Fook
This fan-favourite Cantonese-style restaurant in the heart of the city not only boasts food that will leave you drooling for more but also an interior that is begging to be put on screen. As soon as you step downstairs you are met with a sophisticated, yet traditional décor featuring red patterned wallpaper and hanging white lanterns. The restaurant provides a visually rich setting full of lucky cats and odd shiny panels that make you think it’s been plucked out of a Wong Kar-wai movie.
2. Western Kowloon Art District and M+
Away from the crowds of the Central waterfront, the Western Kowloon Art District offers filmmakers panoramic views of the city skyline and innovative architectural design. It makes for the perfect place to shoot sunset b-roll and it offers a promenade that spans almost a kilometre if you want to get a closer shot of the harbour. Designed by Herzog de Meuron, M+ is a prominent feature within the district, it showcases contemporary artworks and modern design elements, providing a unique backdrop for creative projects. The brutalist design of M+ would make the perfect setting for a futuristic, dystopian or sci-fi-focused project; it is not hard to picture a Blade Runner-esque production taking place here.
3. Cheung Chau
Just a short ferry ride from Central, Cheung Chau boasts a rich history and diverse landscape. From its annual Bun Festival to its abandoned buildings, its supposedly haunted hotel, white-sand beaches, and bronze-age rock carvings the island offers location managers a variety of settings to choose from. Tai San Praya Road is arguably the busiest part of the island throughout the year. The vibrant waterfront is packed with colourful stalls, cafes and local restaurants which makes it a great place to shoot during the lunchtime rush. Perhaps this could be a setting for an exotic romance, with traditional terraced houses in the background.
4. The Hakka Village of Lai Chi Wo
Located in the northeastern New Territories, Lai Chi Wo is a historic Hakka village thought to have been constructed over 300 years ago. It is situated within Hong Kong’s UNESCO Global Geopark meaning it is surrounded by a variety of diverse ecosystems. The village offers filmmakers the chance to capture the centuries-old townhouses and streets as well as encounter the people who still reside there. Additional filming opportunities in the area include the ‘fung shui’ woods, the White-flowered Derris boardwalk that tours the mangroves and the Lai Chi Wo cultural hub. This could be the ideal place for a horror flick or social documentary.
In the dynamic landscape of Hong Kong, location scouts have the opportunity to uncover hidden treasures that add depth and authenticity to the story. From stunning eateries to historic villages, these off-the-beaten-path locations provide a rich tapestry of settings for cinematic exploration, inviting audiences to discover the city from a new light.